Organization History & Mission
The MinKwon Center for Community Action was established in 1984 as the Young Korean American Service & Education Center (YKASEC) to meet the needs and concerns of the Korean American community. Since our founding, MinKwon has played a vital role through grassroots organizing, education, and advocacy initiatives addressing immigration policies, voting rights, and cultural awareness.
MinKwon places a special emphasis on serving marginalized community members, including youth, seniors, recent immigrants, low-income residents, and limited-English-proficient residents.
Our mission is to empower the Korean American community and work alongside Asian American and immigrant communities to achieve economic and social justice for all. We achieve this mission by raising awareness of immigrant rights, ensuring access to resources and legal services, educating political consciousness and fostering political participation, and mobilizing a collective voice to effect systemic change.
Job Description
The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors and senior leadership to execute the vision and mission of the organization; strengthen, implement, and expand core program work and operations; serve as a key representative to coalition allies, community groups, elected officials, and media; and provide senior leadership for internal oversight, administration, fundraising, and organizational development.
Leadership and Management
- Provide vision and collaborate with the Board of Directors and staff to set the organization’s strategic direction rooted in mission and values.
- Ensure programmatic excellence, rigorous evaluation, and consistent quality across finance, administration, fundraising, communications, and systems.
- Recommend timelines and resources necessary to achieve strategic goals.
Fundraising and Communications
- Oversee all fundraising initiatives, including donor and funder relationship management, grant proposals and reports, and execution of fundraising events such as the annual gala.
- Track grant activity and ensure timely quarterly and annual reports for all grants.
- Ensure a consistent organizational presence and leadership in social media, the website, and other supporter communications.
- Ensure clear and consistent communication with both traditional and non-traditional media outlets representing the organization’s voice.
- Interface directly with media, public and private groups, boards, commissions, and professional associations to advance MinKwon’s visibility.
- Deliver presentations to groups and individuals to promote the organization’s services and objectives.
- Oversee or directly develop brochures, reports, news releases, and other informational or marketing materials.
- Use external presence and relationships to identify and secure new opportunities and partnerships.
External Leadership & Representation
- Represent MinKwon publicly, including public speaking, media engagement, and relationship-building with community leaders, advocacy groups, and elected officials.
- Expand and manage external relationships and serve as the primary staff liaison with key stakeholders.
- Work closely with NAKASEC (National Korean American Service & Education Consortium) and its affiliates (c3, c4, PAC):
- Serve as MinKwon’s primary contact with NAKASEC, maintaining regular and transparent communication.
- Actively participate in NAKASEC ED convenings and strategic discussions.
- Help strengthen the NAKASEC network by being a thought partner and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
- Proactively share relevant information, raise issues, and immediately inform NAKASEC of any legal or organizational actions impacting shared goals.
- Collaborate with NAKASEC to develop, implement, and maintain joint policies and procedures.
Program and Organizational Development
- Lead strategic, operating, and capital planning in alignment with Board policies and organizational mission.
- Monitor MinKwon’s progress against programmatic, financial, and operational goals.
- Work with staff, Board members, volunteers, and community leaders to strengthen existing programs, integrate activities, and develop new initiatives.
Staff Management
- Recruit, train, and retain a talented team capable of leading programs and managing strategic functions.
- Monitor and evaluate staff performance, ensuring accountability.
- Create and maintain a positive organizational culture that motivates and supports staff performance and equity.
- Represent staff concerns and issues to the Board on relevant matters.
Board Relations
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic plans to advance the organization’s goals.
- Identify, recruit, and onboard new Board members.
- Prepare and propose Board agendas, including recommendations on vision, programs, policies, contracts, and budgets.
- Provide the Board with timely and comprehensive progress and activity reports.
- Ensure quarterly reports are delivered in advance of scheduled Board meetings.
- Implement Board directives, policies, and approved strategic plans.
- Evaluate organizational structure, job classifications, salary comparability, and performance evaluation systems; recommend improvements to the Board while maintaining positive staff and stakeholder relations.
Finance & Administration
- Monitor financial performance and ensure effective financial systems are maintained.
- Provide timely and accurate financial reports to the Board of Directors.
- Grow and diversify revenue streams while stewarding resources responsibly.
- Represent the organization to potential funders to secure new opportunities.
Job Requirements
Mission Alignment & Commitment
- Deep commitment to MinKwon’s mission, values, and community-centered approach.
- Demonstrated interest, experience, and commitment to advancing social justice issues, including immigrant rights, civil rights, and equity for marginalized communities.
- Exceptional work ethic, with passion and dedication to the mission.
Leadership & Strategic Vision
- Minimum of 5+ years of progressive leadership and management experience in nonprofit, community-based, or advocacy organizations.
- Experience in community organizing, advocacy, or nonprofit leadership; familiarity with Korean American, Asian American, or immigrant community issues strongly preferred.
- Ability to think strategically, anticipate opportunities and challenges, exercise sound judgment, creatively problem solve, and lead organizational change.
- Ability to work closely and collaboratively with the Board of Directors, senior leadership, and staff to set priorities and execute programs in a close-knit, team-oriented environment.
Fundraising, Development & External Relations
- Strong track record in fundraising, donor engagement, and grant management, including cultivation of relationships and development of proposals/reports.
- Experience in relationship development and management with funders, donors, and external stakeholders strongly preferred.
- Ability to use external presence and communications to build partnerships and garner new opportunities.
Communication Skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including strong group facilitation, public speaking, and writing.
- Ability to represent the organization to diverse audiences including community members, partners, elected officials, and media.
- Strong communication skills in Korean preferred.
Management & Organizational Skills
- Demonstrated supervisory experience with the ability to recruit, train, motivate, and retain staff.
- Ability to provide guidance, inspire participation, and effectively engage staff, Board, volunteers, and community members.
- Strong project management skills with attention to detail, ability to execute and bring innovative ideas.
- Excellent organizational skills, including detail orientation, multi-tasking, and ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Ability to monitor, evaluate, and improve program, financial, and operational performance.
Flexibility & Availability
Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as required by the role.
Application Process
The search process will be conducted confidentially and without conflicts of interest. Individuals under consideration for candidacy will not serve on the Search Committee or have access to candidate materials.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with priority given to applications received by January 9, 2026 (or January 16, 2026)
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:
Search Committee
MinKwon Center for Community Action
Email: hiring@minkwon.org
Subject line: “Executive Director – [Your Last Name], [Your First Name]”
Equal Opportunity Statement
The MinKwon Center for Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.
